India and PAK collide in the Asia Cup final for the first time ever - and the match within the match could decide the trophy
What unfolds when history,
rivalry, and destiny meet on one stage? On September 28, the cricketing world will finally witness an Asia Cup 2025 final featuring India and PAK - a summit clash that has long eluded fans for over four decades. For the first time, the neighbours will not just vie for pride but for silverware. Both teams have taken contrasting routes to the final, but the stakes remain extremely high.
For India, buoyed by five consecutive wins, the narrative is one of dominance. For PAK, it is resilience after a rocky start. Yet, in matches like this, individual battles often decide more than team strength. As the two giants clash, here are the key face-offs that could define the Asia Cup 2025 final.
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Ahishek Sharma vs Shaheen Aridi
Call it youth versus experience, aggression versus guile. Abhishek Sharma has been India’s breakout star of the tournament, fearlessly confronting PAK's bowling giant, Shaheen Afridi, in the Super Four clash. Shaheen, bruised by Abhishek’s boldness and boundaries, will seek revenge on the grandest stage. The left-hander’s ability to neutralise Afridi’s new-ball swing could either steer India towards a massive total or deliver Pakistan the early breakthrough they desire.
Credit: Bhaskar
Shubman Gill vs Haris Rauf
Few battles in world cricket carry as much tension as this one. Rauf’s animated “6-0” gesture in the last meeting still lingers in memory, and Shubman Gill will be aiming for retribution — with the bat. Gill’s composed technique makes him India’s anchor, while Rauf’s raw pace and skiddy lengths make him PAK’s strike weapon. Whoever comes out on top in this duel could control the rhythm of India’s innings.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Abrar Ahmed
India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has had an unremarkable tournament, but finals often bring out the best in mavericks. Abrar Ahmed, PAK’s mystery spinner, has been quietly effective, with his variations troubling India in the group stage. SKY will know that conquering Abrar in the middle overs is not just about scoring runs — it’s about asserting authority as captain and quietening murmurs about his form. Can the “360-degree” batter outthink the spinner who thrives on deception?
Credit: Sports 360
Jasprit Bumrah vs Fakhar Zaman
This rivalry is steeped in history. In 2017, Bumrah’s infamous no-ball gave Fakhar Zaman a reprieve, which turned into a match-winning century in the Champions Trophy final. Eight years later, the two face each other again on the grandest Asia Cup stage. Bumrah’s precise yorkers and clever slower balls will target Zaman’s aggressive style. But if Fakhar survives the initial overs, his counterattack could boost PAK's spirits significantly.
Credit: Mid-day
Hardik Pandya vs Sahibzada Farhan
Sahibzada Farhan has been PAK’s revelation of the Asia Cup, swaggering with the bat and celebrating with his “gun celebration.” Hardik Pandya, India’s enforcer, will want to put him in his place. Pandya’s record with the ball against PAK speaks volumes — his ability to take wickets in the powerplay could disrupt their top order. Farhan, however, thrives on audacity. If he takes on Hardik early, sparks are sure to fly.
